Celebrity Armenian bear relocated, LA officials say

July 16, 2012 - 12:54 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A celebrity black bear who frequented the trash cans of Los Angeles suburbs in search of food has been tranquilized and relocated, officials said, ending the debate over whether he should be euthanized or allowed to roam the streets, according to ABC News.

The Glendale population, home to one of the largest Armenian communities, has affectionately named the bear Glen Berian, as the Armenian surnames end in “ian.”

The California Fish and Game Department tweeted that Glen Bearian is “safe and sound asleep in a DFG truck, on his way back to forest.”

Glen Bearian was spotted at least a half dozen times last week alone, most recently on Sunday morning, according to The Los Angeles Times. He had been shipped at least 25 miles into the Angeles National Forest, but managed to make it back to town, which the California Fish and Game Department spokesman Andrew Hughan called an “Olympic feat.”

Sarah Aujero, 29, started a Twitter handle for Glen Bearian, and has been using it to send virtual bear hugs to his fans and announce when he poops in pools (“I dont skinny dip, I chunky dunk”). But the handle is also being used to encourage people to recycle their trash and stop taking pictures of the beloved animal.

The California Fish and Game Department says it’s illegal to feed wildlife, “especially @theglendalebear no matter how cute they are.”

Kim Kardashian announced on “Khloe & Lamar” in April that she wants to run for mayor of Glendale. The half-Armenian plans to work her heritage to her advantage. But now, Kim might have some competition that is also playing the minority card. Glen Bearian announced on Twitter that he may run for Glendale mayor as well.